CN111964011B

CN111964011B - Modular luminaire for electrical appliance lighting

Info

Publication number: CN111964011B
Application number: CN202010870105.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·麦德玛; C·比尼克
Original assignee: Gamchuang Co
Current assignee: Gamchuang Co
Priority date: 2013-06-20
Filing date: 2014-06-20
Publication date: 2023-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-20
Also published as: KR102492520B1; CA2913480C; KR20160061915A; KR20240042183A; EP3010379A4; CN105324057A; US20180259178A1; KR102686116B1; BR112015032037A2; MX2015014894A; WO2014205352A1; US11920776B2; CA2913480A1; MX2020005071A; KR20230020552A; US20240117962A1; CN105324057B; US9995477B2; KR20210107885A; EP3010379A1

Abstract

The luminaire of the present invention provides an elongated profile and simple structure for use in a variety of lighting applications. The circuit board may have a plurality of light sources thereon, and the lens may at least partially encapsulate the circuit board to protect and electrically insulate the circuit board. When used in, for example, lighted shelving applications, electrical power may be provided to the luminaire through the shelf brackets along the sides of the shelf panel.

Description

Modular luminaire for electrical appliance lighting

The present invention is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the application date of 2014, 6, 20 and the application number of 201480035307.3.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a luminaire for lighting applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elongated profile modular luminaire that may be used in a variety of appliance applications, such as refrigerators.

Background

There is a continuing need to develop simple and efficient lighting for applications in various orientations and locations of appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washing and drying machines, and dishwashers.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a modular and slim profile luminaire for lighting in an appliance. The illuminator of the present invention comprises: a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources thereon, a lens for focusing and directing light emitted by the light sources, and a housing that can position or connect the lens and the circuit board together. The housing may also be used as an integral part of the luminaire, for example as a reflector. In some embodiments, the illuminator is integrated into the shelf or drawer such that a portion of the shelf or drawer is used in the illuminator assembly. The illuminator may be removably connected to the shelf or drawer, permanently connected thereto, or enclosed in a frame of the shelf or drawer.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising: a board (e.g., a printed circuit board) having one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) thereon, a lens coupled to the board for diffusing or directing light emitted by the light sources, and a housing that provides additional guidance or diffusion of the light and/or facilitates connection of the illuminator to the shelving assembly. The plate may be attached to the lens and/or housing by an adhesive or other physical attachment method, such as a snap fit. The illuminator may be permanently or removably attached to the glass shelf panel and/or the frame of the shelving assembly.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a shelving assembly having an integrally formed illuminator therein, meaning that the illuminator is formed as a single component with the shelving assembly. The shelving assembly includes a glass shelf panel, a frame attached to an edge thereof, and a light source assembly enclosed in the frame. The light source assembly includes a plate having at least one light source thereon, and a lens connected to the plate for diffusing or guiding light emitted by the diode.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a shelf assembly that includes a shelf panel having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a luminaire connected to the bottom surface. The luminaire includes a circuit board having a plurality of light sources thereon, and a lens connected to the circuit board and at least partially encapsulating the circuit board such that the circuit board and the lens contact a bottom surface of the shelf panel, respectively. The lens directs light emitted from the circuit board toward the shelf panel.

Drawings

Fig. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 3-16d and show a second embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 17-35 and illustrate a third embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 36 shows a fourth embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 37-39 show a fifth embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 40-41 show a sixth embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 42-43 show a seventh embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 44 shows an eighth embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Fig. 45 and 46 show a ninth embodiment of the luminaire of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a lighting module, referred to as a "luminaire", for lighting one or more glass shelves or interior spaces in an appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance is a refrigerator. Preferably, the luminaire of the present invention is modular and may be used with shelves in a variety of ways. As will be discussed in more detail below, the illuminator may be removably or permanently connected to the shelving unit, integrated into the shelving unit, or adapted to a particular shelf size or dimension. This allows the luminaire of the invention to be used in a variety of different applications.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown an illuminator of the present invention and designated by reference numeral 10. In fig. 1, the illuminator 10 is shown attached to the bottom surface of the shelf 2 for ease of description. As discussed in more detail below, the luminaire 10 may be used in several different applications and configurations.

The luminaire 10 comprises a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 20, a lens 30 and a housing 40. The printed circuit board 20 has a plurality of light sources, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 22, along its length. The light emitting diode 22 may be in communication with a power source. When activated, the light emitting diodes 22 provide light to illuminate the shelf 2. The lens 30 and the housing 40 provide optics that direct light emitted by the light emitting diodes 22 back into the shelf 2 or the interior of the space in which the shelf 2 is mounted. The size and shape of the housing 40 may be such as to ensure a secure connection of the luminaire 10 to the shelf 2.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the luminaire 10 installed in the shelving assembly 1 with the panels 2 and side brackets 4. A power bus 50 may be at the rear of the shelving assembly 1 to provide power to the luminaire 10. The illuminator 10 may also be powered by the bracket 4 or by wires or leads (not shown) running the length of the panel 2. Inductive power couplers may also be used to provide power to the luminaire 10. A conductive compound, mechanical interconnect, or conductive material (not shown) located or sealed between the carrier 4 and the panel 2 may facilitate any of these electrical connections. The conductive material may be a single sided tape, a gasket material, or the like. Additional components, such as sealing elements or lubricants, may be added. The arrangement of these power sources and the conductive material are discussed in more detail below.

The panel 2 and the panels of the subsequent embodiments may be glass, metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable structural material, which may be glued or otherwise attached to the support 4. The panel 2 may be flat or also have curved or arcuate edges. The bond or connection between the panel 2 and the support 4 may be by a curable adhesive, a double sided pressure sensitive adhesive or tape, other types of adhesives or tapes, encapsulation, mechanical fasteners, or other methods. If the panel 2 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, the support 4 should be insulated from the panel 2. The attachment medium between the panel 2 and the bracket 4 can then serve the dual purpose of connecting the panel 2 and the bracket 4 and providing electrical isolation or insulation.

The stent 4, as well as the stent in any of the embodiments described below, may have a coating. The coating may provide decoration and corrosion resistance. The coating also serves to insulate the metal of the stent 4 from the electrical energy conducted through the stent 4. The coating may be a powder coating, a liquid coating, another type of coating, or other suitable coating. As discussed in more detail below, the exposed or covered interconnect area at the connection point to the luminaire 10 and at the power source (e.g., bus 50) on the bracket 4 facilitates electrical energy conduction.

In the luminaire 10 and all other embodiments described below, the printed circuit board (in this embodiment, the printed circuit board 20) may be attached to a substrate, such as the panel 2, by a curable adhesive, a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive or tape, other types of adhesives or tapes, encapsulation, mechanical fasteners, or other methods. These connection methods may provide the dual function of sealing the printed circuit board 20 from the environment, electrostatic discharge (ESD), contamination, or human touch, and structurally connecting the printed circuit board 20 to the substrate.

One way to achieve the sealing and attachment functions discussed immediately above is by using lenses 30 to attach or enclose the printed circuit board 20 to the shelf panel 2. Referring to fig. 1, the lens 30 may have a groove 32 and a lip 34. When the printed circuit board 20 is attached to or enclosed within the panel 2, the printed circuit board 20 may be within the recess 32. The lip 34 surrounds the printed circuit board 20 and also contacts the panel 2. In this way, the lens 30 seals the printed circuit board 22 against external contaminants as described above. The lens 30 thus doubles as a structural element that provides protection to the printed circuit board 20 and directs the light emitted thereby.

The luminaire 10 is a module having an elongated profile. Thus, the luminaire 10 may be adapted to a variety of drawer and shelf configurations. It is also easy to assemble and inexpensive due to the simplified construction. In some embodiments, as discussed in further detail below, the illuminator 10 is integrated into a shelf such that the shelf or shelf frame itself functions as the lens 30 or housing 40, thereby eliminating the need for one or both of these components. These features distinguish the luminaire of the present invention from prior art luminaires. Prior art luminaires often require cumbersome housing assemblies with additional components, such as fasteners, all of which must be attached to or surrounding the glass shelf panel. This significantly increases the profile or size of the final shelving assembly. In contrast, with the luminaire of the present invention, the overall profile or size of the shelving assembly does not change significantly. Furthermore, as discussed in more detail below, they can be readily adapted to many different types of applications.

Referring to fig. 3-16d, a shelving assembly 100 in accordance with a second embodiment of the luminaire of the invention is illustrated and designated by reference numeral 110. In fig. 3-16d, the illuminator 110 is enclosed within the frame of the shelving assembly 100. The shelving assembly 100 has a front panel 102, side brackets 104, and a front frame 106. Fig. 3-16d show the components of the luminaire 110, while fig. 13 and 16a show the luminaire 110 in more detail, fully assembled.

Referring to fig. 7-8, illuminator 110 has a lens 130, which may be molded from a material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). As shown in fig. 10, the printed circuit board 120 may be secured to the lens 130 by an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive or a double sided adhesive. Other methods of retaining or attaching the printed circuit board 120 to the lens 130 may also be employed, including physical retaining features, such as snaps or hooks, and inserting or over-molding the printed circuit board 120 into the lens 130. As shown in fig. 11 and 13, the assembly of the printed circuit board 120 and the lens 130 is secured along its front edge to the panel 102 by an adhesive (e.g., UV curable adhesive, thermally curable adhesive, moisture curable adhesive, conductive adhesive, double sided adhesive, or pressure sensitive adhesive). Next, as shown in fig. 12 and 13, the front frame 106 is overmolded or encapsulated onto the front edge of the panel 102 where the printed circuit board 120 and the lens 130 are connected.

In the embodiment of the shelving assembly 100 illustrated in fig. 3-16d, the illuminator 110 is integrally formed with the shelving assembly 100. As mentioned above, this has significant advantages in terms of cost and assembly, since parts can be omitted. Specifically, the luminaire 110 does not require a housing, as in the luminaire 10. Instead, the front frame 106 doubles as a frame for the shelving assembly 100 and as a housing for securing the printed circuit board 120 and the lens 130 in place. In this and other embodiments, the frame 106 may also provide reflection of light emitted from the printed circuit board 120 or be coated with a reflective surface. If a transparent frame material is used, the frame 106 may also double as the lens 130. The transparent frame 106 may have a metal film coated for reflection purposes. Furthermore, although the frame 106 is described as enclosing the illuminator 110, the frame 106 may also be snap-fit or adhered to the panel 102.

As shown in fig. 9, the printed circuit board 120 may have an arrangement of light emitting diodes 122 thereon. Light emitting diodes 122 provide illumination to shelving assembly 100 and scatter, diffuse, or reflect through lens 130 and/or frame 106. The printed circuit board 120 also has an interface 124. The interface 124 is the area of the printed circuit board 120 that places the light emitting diodes 122 in electrical connection with a power source, as described in more detail below. The interface 124 may be a planar or raised metal contact, or a conductive tape, liquid or foam, or any conductive component that is fixed or integral with the printed circuit board 120. Any material that affects or facilitates electrical connection is suitable.

As shown in fig. 13, the lens 130 may have a main region 132 and a second region 134. The main area 132 covers and protects the printed circuit board 120 when the assembly 100 is installed and made of an insulating material. The second region 134 is designed to cover the interface 124 of the printed circuit board 120 and thus may have a flatter profile. The second region 134 may have holes 135 to leave open space for the interface 124. In one embodiment, the second region 134 is made of an insulating material, similar to the main region 132. Alternatively, the second region 134 may be made of a conductive material to enable electrical connection between the interface 124 and a power source. The conductive material for the second region 134 may be a conductive plastic, tape, liquid, gel, foam, or a combination thereof.

Illuminator 110 may also have additional contact pads (not shown) to facilitate and maintain the connection between interface 124, lens 130, and the power source. The contact pads may be made of a conductive compound, such as solder or other conductive liquid, gel, or tape. The contact pads may be attached to or applied to any or all of the support 104, the lens 130, or the printed circuit board 120. Contact pads may be used when the second region 134 is conductive or insulating.

As shown in fig. 13, the frame 106 may have a gap 107 on its bottom surface, through which gap 107 the interface 124 on the printed circuit board 120 may be contacted. Thus, when the shelving assembly 100 is brought together by adhering the brackets 104 to the panel 102 as shown in fig. 15, 16a, and 16b, the conductive areas 105 (shown in fig. 14) on the side brackets 104 contact the interface 124 through the contact pads. If the stent 104 is powder coated or otherwise insulated, the region 105 is an exposed conductive region to ensure proper electrical connection with the interface 124. Through this connection, the light emitting diodes 122 on the printed circuit board 120 supply illumination.

As shown in fig. 16b-16d, the bracket 104 may be coupled to a support rail 150. Furthermore, if the brackets 104 are coated or insulated, they may have exposed conductive areas at the connection points 152 to the rail 150. The connection point 152 allows electrical energy to be transferred from a power source (not shown) through the bracket 104 and to the printed circuit board 120 via the connection described above. There may be additional pads, clips, or covers (not shown) around the stent 104 at the connection points 152. In the event that either of the shelf 104 and rail 150 is shaken or moved during use, the pad, clip, or cover will maintain the connection between the shelf 104 and rail 150.

In the embodiment of the shelving assembly 200 illustrated in FIGS. 17-35, the illuminator 210 is coupled to the shelving assembly 200 (as illustrated in particular in FIG. 31). Wherein the illuminator 110 is connected to the shelving assembly 100 with an envelope and using the frame 106 as part of its housing and/or reflector, the illuminator 210 is connected to the shelving assembly 200 by a separately formed structural element. The frame 206 serves to protect the illuminator 210 from ambient conditions and provides the appearance of a finished product, but the components of the illuminator 210 are independently formed, connected, and assembled in a manner described below. The illuminator 210 has a printed circuit board 220 and a lens 230 that function in a similar manner to and are connected to each other in a similar manner to the similarly numbered components of the previous embodiments. As shown in fig. 25 and 31, the illuminator 210 also has a reflector 240 molded over the lens 230. The reflector 240 is used to direct light emitted by the printed circuit board 220 back into the target area.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, illuminator 210 may also have contact pads 238 to facilitate and maintain the connection between interface 224, lens 230, and the power source. Pad 238 may be made of a conductive compound, such as solder or other conductive liquid, gel, or tape. Pad 238 may be attached or applied to any or all of bracket 204, lens 230, or printed circuit board 120. Pad 238 may be used when second region 234 of lens 230 is conductive or insulating. As discussed above, similar contact pads may be used with illuminator 110.

The shelving assembly 200 has a front frame 206, the latter of which is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. The front frame 206 may be extruded, molded, or manufactured by other processes. It may be made of metal (e.g., aluminum), plastic, or other suitable material. The frame 206 may have a recess 207 thereon for receiving the edge of the panel 202. The frame 206 may be secured to the panel 202 with an adhesive, such as any of those previously described (fig. 28 and 29). As shown in fig. 30 and 31, the illuminator 210 is adhered to the underside of the panel 202 adjacent to the frame 206. Other methods of adhering the frame 206 to the panel 202 may also be employed.

As shown in fig. 31, the lens 230 and reflector 240 do not extend all the way to the edge of the panel 202 such that the interface region 222 of the printed circuit board 220 is exposed. Similar to the illuminator 110 and the interface 124, when the shelving assembly 200 is brought together by adhering the brackets 204 to the panel 202 as shown in fig. 35, the conductive pads 205 (shown in fig. 32) on the side brackets 204 (fig. 32) contact the interface region 222 of fig. 35. Through this connection, the light emitting diodes on the printed circuit board 220 supply illumination.

Fig. 36 shows a luminaire 310 mounted for top illumination of the interior of a refrigerator. The elongated profile of illuminator 310 allows it to be surface mounted to the top surface of the refrigerator interior. Alternatively, a pocket (not shown) having a depth (e.g., 3 millimeters) may be formed in the top surface of the refrigerator cabinet such that illuminator 310 is flush with the surface.

Fig. 37-39 show an illuminator 410 mounted on a vertical sidewall of a refrigerator cabinet to illuminate the interior. The luminaire 410 may be mounted with or without the decorative strip 450, the latter of which is shown in fig. 38.

Fig. 40 and 41 illustrate an illuminator 510 installed in a refrigerator fresh box or drawer 500. The illuminator 510 has a reflector 550 connected thereto such that when the drawer 500 is opened by a user, the reflector 550 is actuated to direct light from the illuminator 510 into the open area of the drawer 500.

Fig. 42 and 43 show a luminaire 610 installed at the top of the refrigerator storage compartment drawer 600. Illuminator 610 has a similar structure to illuminators 110 and 210. The lens 630 is designed such that the light emitted by the illuminator 610 has the desired propagation through the drawer 600. In fig. 44, the illuminator 710 is shown installed in a refrigerator. Illuminator 710 is generally similar to illuminator 610, except that illuminator 710 can emit an asymmetrical illumination pattern to illuminate more space at the front or outer end of the freezer.

Referring to fig. 45 and 46, an illuminator 810 is shown having a printed circuit board 820 and a lens 830. An illuminator 810 is attached to the panel 802 and has a trim 806. Illuminator 810, printed circuit board 820, lens 830, panel 802, and trim 806 each operate in the same manner as their similarly numbered components of the previous embodiments, but with the following differences.

Illuminator 810 uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection (TIR) to reflect light toward an illumination target area. Lens 830 has an asymmetric or symmetrical shape with TIR optical surface 831 (fig. 46) and with an air gap 840 between lens 830 and rim 806 to provide a TIR effect. As shown in fig. 46, light emitted from the light emitting diode 822 hits the surface 831. Because of the shape of surface 831 and the significant difference in refractive index between lens 830 and air gap 840, substantial or all TIR is achieved. Any light rays emitted from the printed circuit board 822 that are not internally reflected are transmitted out of the lens 830 through the air gap 840 and are ejected off the reflective surface 808 of the trim 806. The path of the light is shown in dashed lines. In illuminator 810, each of lens 830 and trim 806 (with reflective surface 808) can be used alone or in combination with each other.

In any of the above embodiments, the luminaires 10-810 may also be detachably connected to the associated shelf or drawer. The detachable connection may be, for example, a snap-fit connection. The detachably connected luminaire has several advantages, for example allowing the luminaire to be sold separately, for the customer to select a desired color temperature, and making the luminaire available for use without having to replace the entire shelf. The luminaires 10-810 may also be sealed on associated shelves or drawers that may be used in a dishwasher.

In addition, in any of the above embodiments, the luminaire may have the following design: which allows the printed circuit board to have a variable LED layout and density, i.e. number of LEDs, while maintaining overall performance. Thus, the light intensity of the luminaire may be scalable without changing the lens or reflector. Using this feature, the same lens and housing may be, for example, a 100 lumen, 200 lumen or 300 lumen luminaire with all the same components. Thus, the luminaire may have an expandable light output and cost. In addition, white pads, gray pads, and black pads require different levels of light to appear bright. With variable LED count and density, the universal product can be easily adapted to a variety of applications.

The optical design and light pattern of the luminaire of the invention can also be changed by molding a lens or housing selected from different materials, for example by molding a lens that is transparent compared to white plastic. Each material gives a slightly different optical pattern.

The illuminator of this invention can also be used to illuminate graphics displayed on an associated glass panel. The illuminator may illuminate under the panel, on top of the panel, through glass, or as an edge illumination. This may be particularly useful for highlighting any text or logos etched onto the glass panel, such as the company's brand name.

Instead of having to use wires or other conventional means to move power from the rear of the shelf to the front edge of the shelf, the illuminator of this invention can also use power transmitted through the bus bars to be projected onto the glass panel. Such bus bars may be similar to those used on commercial cooler doors to transfer electrical energy to glass. As discussed above, electrical energy may also be delivered using side brackets of the shelving assembly.

In the case of any of the luminaires of the present invention, the reflective surface may be applied to the inside of the front frame surface. The inner surface of the front frame may act as a reflector to project light into the target area.

The present invention also contemplates features that may be used in the case of any of the above-described luminaires, whereby the illumination may be interactive. There may be a sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) on the shelf or luminaire that senses the presence of a person (e.g., by detecting a person's hand) and changes the intensity of the emitted light. The sensor may also be used to change the color of the light.

In some applications, it may be appropriate to apply a coating to the glass panel and/or a frame that enhances the transfer of heat from a luminaire affixed to the shelf to the open air portion of the shelf. This will allow the luminaire to perform a higher light output. Such coatings may also be used to improve the reflective properties of the luminaire.

While the invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.

Claims

1. A shelving assembly, comprising:

a shelf panel including a front edge and two side edges, wherein the shelf panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, the shelf panel having a flat profile;

a luminaire attached to the bottom surface of the shelf panel, the luminaire comprising: one or more light sources; a circuit board, the one or more light sources coupled to the circuit board; and a lens configured to receive light from the one or more light sources therethrough, an

A frame attached to the front edge of the shelf panel and extending adjacent the front edge above and below the top and bottom surfaces of the shelf panel, the frame at least partially covering the luminaire.

2. The shelving assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the shelving assembly further comprises:

a first shelf bracket; and

and a second shelf bracket.

3. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein said lens contacts said bottom surface of said shelf panel.

4. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the lens includes a groove in the lens and an outer lip, wherein the circuit board is positioned within the groove and the outer lip contacts a bottom surface of the shelf panel to at least partially encapsulate the circuit board between the lens and the shelf panel.

5. The shelf assembly of claim 2, wherein the illuminator is connected to the bottom surface of the shelf panel adjacent the front edge, and wherein each of the first shelf bracket and the second shelf bracket is connected to the side edge.

6. The shelving assembly of claim 2, wherein the circuit board has a first exposed area at a first end of the circuit board that is not enclosed by the lens, and wherein the first shelf bracket contacts the circuit board at the first exposed area.

7. The shelving assembly of claim 6, further comprising an electrically conductive contact pad between the first shelf bracket and the first exposed region.

8. The shelving assembly of claim 2, wherein the illuminator is connected to the first shelf bracket and the second shelf bracket.

9. The shelving assembly of claim 8, further comprising a power source in electrical communication with at least one of the first shelf bracket and the second shelf bracket, such that the power source supplies electrical power to the one or more light sources.

10. The shelving assembly of claim 2, wherein the illuminator is adjacent a front portion of the first shelf bracket and the second shelf bracket.

11. The shelving assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the illuminator is integrated into the shelving assembly such that the frame functions as the lens or housing for the illuminator.

12. The shelving assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first shelf bracket and the second shelf bracket is a conductive shelf bracket and comprises:

a first region for conducting electrical power from the support rail to the conductive shelf bracket;

a second region for conducting power from the conductive shelf support to the luminaire; and

a non-conductive coating applied to substantially all areas of the conductive shelf support except the first and second areas,

wherein the conductive shelf support is formed of a conductive material that conducts electricity between the first region and the second region, and

wherein the electrically conductive shelf brackets have a horizontal surface below the shelf panel that supports the shelf panel and the illuminator.

13. The shelving assembly of claim 12, wherein a first conductive material is applied to at least a portion of the first region and a second conductive material is applied to at least a portion of the second region.

14. The shelving assembly of claim 12, wherein the illuminator has a first conductive contact area, and power is conducted from the second area to the first conductive contact area.

15. The shelving assembly of claim 14, wherein the first conductive contact area is a pad, plastic, tape, liquid, gel, foam, or solder.

16. The shelving assembly of claim 12, wherein the second region includes a second conductive contact region.

17. The shelving assembly of claim 16, wherein the second conductive contact area is a pad, plastic, tape, liquid, gel, foam, or solder.

18. A shelving assembly, comprising:

a shelf panel including a front edge and two side edges, wherein the shelf panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the shelf panel has a flat profile;

a luminaire attached to the bottom surface of the shelf panel, the luminaire comprising: one or more light sources; a circuit board, the one or more light sources coupled to the circuit board; and a lens configured to receive light from the one or more light sources therethrough;

a frame attached to the front edge of the shelf panel and extending adjacent the front edge above and below the top and bottom surfaces of the shelf panel, the frame at least partially covering the luminaire; and

a shelf bracket for conducting electricity to the luminaire, the shelf bracket comprising:

a first region for conducting electrical power from the support rail to the shelf bracket;

a second region for conducting electrical power from the shelf support to the luminaire; and

a non-conductive coating applied to substantially all areas of the shelf support except the first and the second areas,

wherein the shelf support is formed of an electrically conductive material that conducts electricity between the first region and the second region, and

wherein the shelf brackets have a horizontal surface below the shelf panel that supports the shelf panel and the luminaire.

19. The shelving assembly of claim 18, wherein a first conductive material is applied to at least a portion of the first region and a second conductive material is applied to at least a portion of the second region.

20. The shelving assembly of claim 18, wherein the illuminator has a first conductive contact area, and power is conducted from the second area to the first conductive contact area.

21. The shelving assembly of claim 20, wherein the first conductive contact area is a pad, plastic, tape, liquid, gel, foam, or solder.

22. The shelving assembly of claim 18, wherein the second region includes a second conductive contact region.

23. The shelving assembly of claim 22, wherein the second conductive contact area is a pad, plastic, tape, liquid, gel, foam, or solder.

24. The shelving assembly of claim 18, wherein the illuminator comprises one or more light sources, and the frame at least partially encapsulates the one or more light sources.

25. The shelf assembly of claim 18, further comprising a lens connected to the bottom surface of the shelf panel, wherein the illuminator comprises one or more light sources, and wherein the lens at least partially encapsulates the one or more light sources.

26. The shelf assembly of claim 25, wherein said lens includes a recess in the lens and an outer lip, wherein a circuit board is located within said recess and said outer lip contacts said bottom surface of said shelf panel to at least partially encapsulate said circuit board between said lens and said shelf panel.

27. The shelf assembly of claim 18, wherein the illuminator is directly connected to the bottom surface of the shelf panel adjacent the front edge, and wherein the shelf bracket is connected to the side edge.

28. The shelving assembly of claim 18, further comprising a circuit board and a lens at least partially encasing the illuminator, wherein the circuit board has a first exposed region at an end of the circuit board that is not encased by the lens, and wherein the shelf bracket contacts the circuit board at the first exposed region.

29. The shelving assembly of claim 18, further comprising a power source in electrical communication with the shelf bracket, such that the power source supplies electrical energy to the illuminator.

30. The shelving assembly of claim 28, further comprising an electrically conductive contact pad between the shelf bracket and the first exposed region.

31. The shelving assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein the illuminator is integrated into the shelving assembly such that the frame functions as a lens or housing for the illuminator.